Appendix A Using Information Technology. Learning Objectives Describe the key components of a computer and explain their purpose. Discuss the different.
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Learning Objectives
Describe the key components of a computer and explain their purpose.
Discuss the different ways computers and related technologies, contribute to today’s businesses.
Describe some of the key challenges of managing today’s information technologies.
Identify emerging technologies and their implications.
Information TechnologiesIncreasing Value
ManagementInformation
Systems
Improve Decision Making
Firm's Earnings
Firm's Value
Improve Efficiency
Firm’s Revenue
Firm’s Expenses
Computer Literacy
“To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer.”
-Anonymous
“For better or worse, technology has pervaded every aspect of business and
most facets of our lives”-Prof. Murray
What is MIS?
• Identifying the information that is needed for effective decision making in organizations and developing information systems to satisfy those needs
• In other words…
“ MIS is using technology to
create business value.”
MIS
What do MIS professionals do?
BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY
Bridge the gap between business and technical minds
MIS
What does it take to succeed?
PEOPLE SKILLS Communication Teamwork Patience Creativity Decision Making Creativity
TECHNICAL SKILLS Technical Curiosity Problem Solving Analytical Programming Web development Synthesis
BUSINESS SKILLS!
MIS Career Outlook – GREAT!Projected percent growth in occupations from 2008 to 2018
- Network systems & data communications analysts (53.4%)
- Computer software engineers, applications (34%)
- Computer software engineers, systems software (30.4%)
These positions are ranked in the top 25% for median earnings and are in the BLS list of fastest growing jobs.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statisticshttp://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_103.htm
MIS Careers
What general careers are there in MIS?• Project Managers / CIO
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Software Design
• Internet
• Database
• Network / Telecommunications
• Technical Sales
Data versus Information
• Data – collection of unorganized facts.
• Information – data that has been processed into a useful form which can be used in decision making.
• Information Processing CycleInput Process Output Storage(Data) (Information)
Data versus Information
• 1234567.89 is data.
• "Your bank balance has jumped 8087% to $1234567.89" is information.
• "Nobody owes me that much money" is knowledge.
• "I'd better talk to the bank before I spend it, because of what has happened to other people" is wisdom.
Characteristics of Good Information
• Relevant
• Timely
• Accurate
• Meaningful Format
• Complete
• Accessible
System Architecture:Four Key Components
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Primary Storage Secondary Storage Peripherals
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Heart of a computer.• Performs all calculations and moves information
between computer and other components.• Speed or movement is measured in Gigahertz.
Business Online
Primary Storage
Where information is temporarily stored.• Random access memory (RAM).• Memory where programs and data in current use are
kept and accessed.• Generally applications will run faster with more
RAM available.
Secondary Storage
Common forms of secondary storage:•Hard drives•Floppy disks•Magnetic tapes•CD ROMS
More permanent and sometimes removable storage.
Peripherals
Types of peripherals:• Mouse• Monitor• Keyboard• Printer• Scanners
Devices attached to the CPU which are not primary or secondary storage.
Software Categories
• System or Operating Software: manages the other software programs in a system.
• Application Software: programs that perform specific functions.
• Middleware: allows other application programs to cooperate with each other.
• Utility Software: programs that perform specific functions generally for the system.
Interorganizational Systems (IOS)
Remote job entry systems Electronic data interchange (EDI) Commercial information service
Use computers and telecommunications technology to move information across boundaries of the firm.
IOS Types:
Managing Information Technologies
• Managing firm’s information system architecture– Stand-alone system– Mainframe (multi-user) system with terminals– Network system includes file servers and
workstations• Local area network (LAN)
• Wide area network (WAN)
• Acquiring software– Compatibility– Upgradeability– Support– Customized software
Managing Information Technologies
• Managing the development of information systems– Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems– Systems development life cycle (SDLC)– Incremental development techniques
• Prototype, alpha and beta testing
Managing Information Technologies
• Managing the implementation of information systems– Transferring a system to its intended users often
is more difficult than technical development of the system.
Managing Information Technologies
Managing Information Technologies
Ensure top management support. Ensure need for system has been established and
communicated to users. Involve those using the system in the design and
development process. Design system that is intrinsically motivating.
Implementation Techniques
• Managing information systems security– Protect against espionage
• Use passwords to limit access
• Systematically change passwords
• Terminate user rights when person leaves
• Train personnel in security procedures
– Protect against sabotage• Back up system regularly
• Use proper virus hygiene
Managing Information Technologies
• Windows software patches and updates
– update.microsoft.com
• Symantec antivirus and firewall software (schedule updates!)
– www.buffalo.edu/ubit/service-guides/software.html
• Adware removal tools
– www.lavasoftusa.com - Adware
– www.safer-networking.org - Spybot Search & Destroy
Protecting Your Computer
• Excellent General Resource:
– www.spywarewarrior.com
• Don’t open unknown email attachments
• Don’t open or respond to spam email
• Don’t share your username/password
• Keep your computer physically secure
• Be careful installing shareware/freeware programs
• Seek out help in maintaining your computer system if necessary.
Protecting Your Computer
Truly Intelligent Systems
• Artificial intelligence (AI)• Experimental computers with many CPU’s that
operate simultaneously
• The Goal of Artificial intelligence (AI) is to perform tasks such as, logical reasoning, language, vision, and motor skills
Why should you care about MIS?
• Do you use a computer/cell phone/other
technology?
• Technology is everywhere and impacts most aspects
of business and our lives.
• Technology / Information Systems can and should
be utilized as a competitive advantage.
• Information systems can be built to aid decision
making and to automate existing work
Why should you care about MIS?
• E-Commerce is rapidly growing! Online consumer spending
was up 22% in 2010 to $165,000,000,000!
• More and more users (customers) are utilizing broadband
connections to the Internet.
• There are an estimated 1.9 billion users (customers) using
the Internet. This represents roughly 28.7% of the world
population.
• The Internet is becoming more diverse. In other words, the
market you can sell to is growing and changing.
Why should you care about MIS?
As managers and business owners, you also:
• Need to be knowledgeable when working with your MIS
department and/or technology vendors.
• Need to leverage technology appropriately to create business
value.
• Need to position your company appropriately to take
advantage in changes in technology and to protect yourself
from problems with technology.
• Need to understand how technology may create a global
market for your products and services.
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